Toothbrush having multiple selectable brushing surfaces

ABSTRACT

An adjustable toothbrush having a plurality of interchangeable bristle mount settings that facilitate more direct contact with the various teeth geometries. The adjustable toothbrush preferably has at least three selectable surface variations or configurations comprising a flat surface, an inverted/concave surface, and a radial/convex surface. The adjustable toothbrush comprises a brushing surface defined by a plurality of bristles, a bristle mount, at least one adjustment key, hollow brush casing and adjustment mechanism wherein the bristles are secured to the mount and the mount engages the adjustment mechanism. The bristle mount is flexible to accommodate manipulation of its shape by the adjustment mechanism. Depending on the setting, the adjustment mechanism raises the mount to create the radial version, lowers the mount to create the inverted version or leaves the mount stationary for the flat version. The three configurations are selected and engaged by a tactile control.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of provisional patentapplication Serial No. 60/439,860 filed Jan. 14, 2003.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT N/ACOPYRIGHT NOTICE

[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document containsmaterial that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright ownerhas no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patentdocument or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightsrights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] 1. Field of the Invention

[0004] This invention relates generally to an adjustable toothbrush, andmore particularly, to an adjustable toothbrush that mechanically adjustto three different configurations to correspond to the teeth beingbrushed so as to provide a user with improved teeth cleaning coverage

[0005] 2. Description of the Background Art

[0006] The upper and lower sets of teeth are shaped like littlehorseshoes having generally three main and distinctive shapes. Thefrontal teeth are radial in shape, the back teeth have opposite invertedradial shapes and the tops and sides are considerably straight. Mosttoothbrushes are designed with a straight or slightly inverted radialbrushing surface, which do not conform to all three geometries,resulting in inadequate cleaning. Therefore, several toothbrushes ofvarying shapes should be used to provide complete cleaning. However,using two, three or more toothbrushes to properly clean teeth can beexpensive, cumbersome, messy and impractical. An all in one toothbrushthat changes to conform to various shaped areas would offer a much moreefficient cleaning as well as a satisfying brushing experience. If anadjustable toothbrush existed that conformed to the various geometry ofteeth, it would be well received. The instant invention addresses thisunfulfilled need in the prior art by providing a toothbrush that offersa plurality of adjustable surfaces for facilitating improved contactwith the teeth and hence enhanced cleaning, as described herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In light of the foregoing, it is an object of the presentinvention to provide a toothbrush that adapts to the various geometriesof teeth to improve contact with the teeth.

[0008] It is another object of the instant invention to provide atoothbrush that has an adjustable brushing surfacing for conforming tothe various contours of teeth.

[0009] It is also an object of the instant invention to provide atoothbrush having an adjustable surface that comes in contact with thevarious gaps and crevices typically missed by conventional toothbrushes.

[0010] It is an additional object of the instant invention to provide anadjustable toothbrush that is convenient and easy to use.

[0011] It is an additional object of the instant invention to provide anadjustable toothbrush that is cost-effective with respect tomanufacturing.

[0012] It is a further object of the instant invention to provide anadjustable toothbrush that improves the dental hygiene of the averageperson.

[0013] It is yet another object of the instant invention to provide anadjustable toothbrush that provides a brush surface that may be adjustedto provide a plurality of different contours.

[0014] In light of these and other objects, the instant inventioncomprises a toothbrush having a surface that is adjustable toaccommodate the concave, convex and straight geometries of the averageset of teeth. The adjustable toothbrush of the instant invention isdesigned to help the bristles come in direct contact with the teethregardless of its geometry and so long as the proper adjustment is made,to facilitate more efficient dental hygiene. The adjustable toothbrushpreferably has three selectable surface variations or configurations tocorrespond with the three common surface geometries of teeth. The threeconfigurations comprise a flat surface, an inverted/concave surface, anda radial/convex surface. The adjustable toothbrush generally comprises abrushing surface defined by a plurality of bristles, a bristle mount, atleast one adjustment key, hollow brush casing and adjustment mechanism.The bristles are secured to the mount and the mount engages theadjustment mechanism. The bristle mount is flexible to accommodatemanipulation of its shape by the adjustment mechanism. Depending on thesetting, the adjustment mechanism raises the mount to create the radialversion, lowers the mount to create the inverted version or leaves themount stationary for the flat version. The toothbrush may also bedesigned to provide a plurality of alternative brush contours. The brushconfigurations are adjusted by a rotatable or slidable tactile control,referenced herein as a drive mechanism. The adjustable toothbrush ispreferably manufactured with plastic and could offer soft, medium andhard flexible brushing bristles.

[0015] The instant invention mechanically changes brushing surfaces toprovide maximum contact with teeth for more efficient cleaning. Theflexible bristle mount allows the user to manipulate the surfaceconfiguration of the toothbrush bristles to provide a straightconfiguration for flat, accessible tooth surfaces, an invertedconfiguration for the back of the teeth and a radial configuration forthe frontal teeth surfaces. In an alternative embodiment, the instantinvention may a plurality of other configurations as shown herein.

[0016] In accordance with these and other objects, which will becomeapparent hereinafter, the instant invention will now be described withparticular reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017]FIG. 1 provides a perspective exploded view in FIG. 1A andperspective views in FIGS. 1B-1D of a first embodiment of the adjustabletoothbrush in accordance with the instant invention.

[0018]FIG. 2 provides perspective views in FIGS. 2A-2E of a secondembodiment of the adjustable toothbrush in accordance with the instantinvention.

[0019]FIG. 3 provides elevational views in FIGS. 3A-3C of a thirdembodiment of the rotating cam version of the adjustable toothbrush inaccordance with the instant invention.

[0020]FIG. 4 provides elevational views in FIGS. 4A-4C of a fourth orpush/pull embodiment of the adjustable toothbrush.

[0021]FIG. 5 provides elevational views in FIGS. 5A-5C of a fifth orthumb slide embodiment of the instant invention.

[0022]FIG. 6 provides side and plan views of the preferred embodiment ofthe flexible mount in accordance with the instant invention.

[0023]FIG. 7 provides elevational views of an assembled 12-segmenttoothbrush with form keys in accordance with the instant invention.

[0024]FIG. 8 provides elevational views of the components of the12-segment toothbrush in accordance with the instant invention.

[0025]FIG. 9 provides elevational views of the brush surface designvariations of the instant invention utilizing bristle holders extendinglengthwise with respect to the brush holder.

[0026]FIG. 10 provides elevational views of the bristle configurationsfor the 12-segment brush utilizing a variety of different keyconfigurations in accordance with the instant invention.

[0027]FIG. 11 provides elevational views of the 10-segment toothbrushwith formed wire twist guide in accordance with the instant invention.

[0028]FIG. 12 provides elevational views of the bristle configurationsthat may be derived with a formed wire guided bristle mount inaccordance with the instant invention.

[0029]FIG. 13 provides elevational views of the self-adjusting bristlemount utilizing magnets in accordance with the instant invention.

[0030]FIG. 14 provides elevational views of the electronicallycontrolled toothbrush and bristle mount in accordance with the instantinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] With reference to the drawings, FIGS. 1 to 14 depict thepreferred embodiments of the instant invention which is generallyreferenced as an adjustable toothbrush and, or by numeric character 10.The adjustable toothbrush 10 is designed so that more bristles, incomparison to toothbrushes having a static or virtually static bristleconfiguration, come in direct contact with the teeth so long as theproper adjustment is made. With reference to FIGS. 1A to 14, theadjustable toothbrush 10 comprises a handle 20 having aproximal/grasping end and a distal end defining or having abrush/bristle system casing 22, a brush system 11 comprising a bristlemount 14 and plurality of bristles 16 mounted to and/or projectingoutward from the bristle mount 14 and an adjustment system 17 (17 a-17c) that adjust the elevation of the bristle mount 14, at least onesegment of the bristle mount 14 and/or at least one bristle segment. Thehandle 20 may also comprise a grip 34 for enhancing control.

[0032] The bristles 16 and mount 14 are secured in the hollow brushcasing 22, as shown in FIG. 1, by securing the mount 14 to theadjustment mechanism by way of at least one and preferably twoengagement tabs 15. The adjustable toothbrush 10 preferably has threeselectable surface variations or configurations, as shown in FIGS. 1 and2, to correspond with the three surfaces of the teeth. The threeconfigurations comprise a flat surface 12, an inverted surface 12, and aradial surface 12, as shown in FIGS. 1B, 1C and 1D, respectively. Thebristles 16 are mounted to the bristle mount 14 as shown in FIGS. 6 and8. With reference to FIGS. 6 and 8, the bristle mount 14 comprises atleast one base 14 a having a locking groove 14 b, and a plurality ofbristle holder segments 14 c comprising plastic molded supports 14 dhaving a plurality of bristle sleeves 14 e for securely receiving thebristles 16. As a result of this construction, the bristle mount 14 isflexible and may be raised proximal the center to create the radialversion, as shown FIG. 1D, lowered to create the inverted version, asshown in FIG. 1C, or left stationary for the flat version, as shown inFIG. 1A. The three configurations are selected by engaging the bristlemount base 14 a with an adjustment mechanism 17 a, 17 b or 17 c. Thelocking groove 14 b locks the bristle mount 14 in a set position. Theadjustable toothbrush 10 is preferably manufactured with plastic andcould offer soft, medium and hard flexible brushing bristles 16.

[0033] The adjustment mechanism resides in the handle 20 between thegrip 34 and head of the toothbrush 10 and has three embodiments, asshown in FIGS. 3 to 5. The adjustment mechanism generally comprises acam or lever connected to or engageable with the flexible bristle mount14 in a position, such as proximal the center, that deforms the mount 14into a straight, radial or inverted position, as shown in FIGS. 3-5.Affixing it proximal the center of the mount base 14 a allows the use ofa double cam on both the proximal and distal ends of the mount 14 toobtain the various configurations. The cam or lever is attached to thedrive mechanism 32 by way of the connecting rod 28 to manipulate themount 14 by pushing and pulling and, or rotating the connecting rod 28.The use of an additional guide mount may be incorporated above theflexible mount 14 to keep the bristles 16 straight.

[0034] With reference to FIGS. 1-5, 7 and 9-14, the adjustmentmechanism/system 17 embodiments (17 a-17 c) are shown. Referring toFIGS. 1, 4 and 5, the first adjustment mechanism 17 a comprises at leastone bristle mount engagement tab 15, a mount ramp or inclined lever 26that engages the bristle mount base 14 a and/or tab 15 in a manner thatadjusts its elevation when adjusted, a guide groove 29 extending alongat least one side surface of the ramp 26 for guiding at least one pinprojecting from the tab 15 to facilitate changes in elevation of themount 14 and a connecting rod 28 attached to, joined to, in engagementwith and, or otherwise in mechanical or magnetic communication with adrive mechanism 32. The drive mechanism 32 may comprise a rotatablehandle, push/pull handle 32 a as shown in FIG. 4 or thumb slide 32 b asshown in FIG. 5. The first variation 17 a preferably uses athree-position push/pull handle and lever drive mechanism, as shown inFIG. 4. When the handle is pushed, the connecting rod 28 urges thecenter of the flexible mount 14 upward and when the handle is pulled theconnecting rod 28 urges the center of the flexible mount 14 downward.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 7, the second adjustment mechanism 17 bcomprises at least one adjustment key 18 or 19 and preferably a firstadjustment key 18, a second adjustment key, a connecting rod 28 and oneof the drive mechanisms 32. The first adjustment key 18 is substantiallyconcave and the second adjustment key 19 are connected or mechanicallyengaged with the connecting rod 28 and the connecting rod 28 is drivenby the drive mechanism 32. The keys 18 and 19 raise and lower thebristle mount 14, respectively, depending on which way and how far thedrive mechanism 32 is actuated.

[0036] With reference to FIG. 3, a third variation comprises athree-position rotating cam. The third adjustment mechanism 17 ccomprises at least one bristle mount engagement tab 15, rotating cam 40,connecting rod 28 and a rotating drive mechanisms 32. The tab 15 engagesor is connected to the bristle mount base 14 a at one end and to theconnecting rod 28 at another end. When the drive mechanism 32 is rotatedit imparts rotational movement of the cam 40 causing the mid-section ofthe bristle mount 14 to be raised or lowered. The third variationcomprises a thumb slide version, comprising a thumb control switch 30 inthe side of the handle for pushing and pulling the connecting rod. Thetoothbrush 10 may incorporate a flexible unitary or segmented bristlemount 14 connected to the adjustment mechanism 17 in a manner thatdeforms the shape of the mount 14 into the desired configuration. Eachof the three mechanism variations would allow the brush configuration tobe changed by manipulating the flexible brush mount 14. The use of anadditional guide mount could be incorporated above the flexible mount inorder to keep the bristles straight. The instant invention 10 may alsocomprise

[0037] With reference to FIGS. 9-14, alternative adjustment systems and,or adjustment key configurations may be incorporated with the adjustmentsystem 17 to achieve a variety of other brush surface configurations, asshown. With reference to FIG. 9, the bristle segments 14 c may comprisevarious shapes to vary brush surface configurations. Referring to FIGS.9 and 10, the adjustment system 17 may comprise a plurality of differentadjustment key configurations 21 a-21 h to provide alternative brushsurface 12 configurations. With reference to FIG. 11, the adjustmentsystem 17 may comprise a formed wire twist guide 31. The twist guide 31comprises a preformed wire having a raised or contoured shape thatextends from, is connected to or otherwise engages the connecting rod 28to facilitate rotation when the rotating drive mechanism 32 is turned.The twist guide 31 may have an elongated end that replaces and providesthe same function as the connecting rod 28.

[0038] The adjustable toothbrush 10 is adjusted by manipulating thepush/pull mechanism, thumb slide or rotating cam drive mechanism 32,depending on the embodiment employed. By doing so, the user adjusts thebrush formation to be flat, inverted or raised according to the teethbeing brushed. Each of these surfaces corresponds with the three majorsurfaces of the teeth. The inverted radial surface may be used on thefrontal surfaces of the teeth, the inverted brushing surface may used onthe inside of the teeth and the flat brushing surface may be used on theflat areas of the teeth.

[0039] With respect to the instant invention 10, one method for changingthe brushing surface 12, of the toothbrush 10, is using a unitaryflexible bristle mount 14. Another method of achieving the brushingsurface configurations shown comprises use of a segmented bristle mount14. The instant invention 10 may incorporate different keyconfigurations 21 a-21 h to create a wide variety of designs thatinclude different geometrical surface configurations besides radialbends, as shown in FIGS. 9-10. The bristle mount 14 can be divided intoany number of independently moving sections 14 c with unique shapes thatoffer a wide variety changeable brushing surfaces, as shown in FIG. 9.For instance, a straight brush could be transformed, temporarily, into areach style brush, by mechanically extending the distal bristles, forcleaning those hard to reach back teeth and then back to a straightbrush to continue normal cleaning, or, from straight, to radial, theninverted radial and back. Numerous combinations of two, three or moretoothbrushes can be developed into one. Alternatively, the toothbrush 10may comprise an electronic version wherein the bristle mount segments 14c are caused to alternate left and right, with adjacent segments 14 cmoving in opposite directions, as shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 14 shows theelectric toothbrush 10 that produces opposing brush strokes.

[0040] With reference to FIG. 7, an assembled 12-segment toothbrush 10has two form keys 18, 19 to provide three different changeable brushingconfigurations. FIG. 8 illustrates the separate components of the12-segment bristle mount 14. The 12 segments 14 c, each of which holds arow of bristles, move up and down independently with respect to eachother. They are all held together in a hollow housing 22. The differentbrushing configurations are created by the use of a form key 18 and, or19. The form key normally lays flat beneath the row of segments. Thesekeys are designed to engage and disengage the mount 14 depending on therotational direction of the twist rod. When twisted 45 degrees into anupright position, the key moves each segment to a new location to form adifferent bristle surface 12 configuration. FIG. 9 illustrates some ofthe alternative design variations of the segmented bristle mount 14.

[0041]FIG. 10 shows eight assorted brush configurations 21 d-21 h all ofwhich can be used on the 10 or 12-segment toothbrush with forming keys.The keys are extracted from their above assembly simply to see thembetter. It demonstrates some the different configuration achievable withthe use of these keys 21. The key 21 and bottom portions of the segments14 c may be magnetized with magnet plates 51 and 52 to assist in holdingthe segments 14 c in place, a shown in FIG. 13. The key 21 may be madeof metal and magnetized along with the bottoms of each segment 14 c tocomplete a mechanism for retaining the segments 14 c in position. Themagnetic version of the invention 10 in FIG. 13 is a self-conformingtoothbrush that self-conforms to any shape automatically. It is alsopossible to spring load each segment 14 c.

[0042]FIG. 11 shows a 10-segment brush with a formed wire twist guide31. This changeable segmented brush is altered by the use of a preformedwire 31 used as a twist guide. When turned 180 degrees it transformsfrom a radial shaped brush to a straight plane then to an invertedradial shape. There are a number of selections that vary the intensityof the radius between the two extremes to provide a multi-selectabletoothbrush. FIG. 12 shows the same 10-segment brush without the housing.

[0043] The instant invention has been shown and described herein in whatis considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It isrecognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within thescope of the invention and that obvious structural and/or functionalmodifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. An adjustable toothbrush device, said devicecomprising: a handle; a brush end comprising a flexible mount andplurality of bristles extending outward from said mount and defining abrush surface, said mount having a first end, a second end and amid-section between said first and second ends; adjustment means, inmechanical communication with said mount, for raising and lowering atleast a portion of said mid-section from a neutral straight position toadjust the shape of said brush surface; and drive means, in mechanicalcommunication with said adjustment means, for manipulating saidadjustment means.
 2. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein said mountcomprises: a flexible plate.
 3. A device as recited in claim 1, whereinsaid mount comprises: a plurality of adjacently disposed segments, eachof said segments comprising a plurality of bristle sleeves for securingsaid bristles.
 4. A device as recited in claim 3, wherein said mountfurther comprises: a flexible plate bridging across the lower surface ofsaid segments, said plate being engageable by said adjustment means. 5.A device as recited in claim 1, wherein said mount comprises: means forjoining said segments to each other.
 6. A device as recited in claim 1,wherein said adjustment means comprises: a connecting rod having adistal end and a proximal end; and a mount lever extending from saidconnecting rod distal end, said connecting rod proximal end beingmechanically engageable with said drive means and said mount lever beingmechanically engageable with said mount.
 7. A device as recited in claim1, wherein said adjustment means comprises: at least one arched keyextending across said mount and engageable with said drive means forraising said mid-section when rotated in one direction and for loweringsaid mid-section when rotated in another direction.
 8. A device asrecited in claim 1, wherein said adjustment means comprises: a pluralityof adjustable keys in communication with said drive means for adjustingthe elevation of the mount in a plurality of different sections.
 9. Adevice as recited in claim 1, wherein said adjustment means comprises: arotatable cam in mechanical communication with said mount; andconnecting rod mechanically communicating said drive means and saidrotatable cam.
 10. A device as recited in claim 3, wherein said segmentscomprise a plurality of different shapes.
 11. A device as recited inclaim 1, wherein said adjustment means comprises: a contoured guide wireengaged with said mount at one end and with said drive means at anopposite end for adjusting the elevation of said mount in a plurality ofpositions when rotated by said drive means.
 12. A device as recited inclaim 11, wherein said adjustment means comprises: opposing magneticplates sandwiching said guide wire.
 13. A device as recited in claim 2,further comprising: electronic means for moving said segments sidewayswherein adjacent segments move in opposite directions.
 14. A device asrecited in claim 1, wherein said drive means comprises: a rotatableshaft in mechanical communication with said adjustment means.
 15. Adevice as recited in claim 1, wherein said drive means comprises: a pushand pull handle in mechanical communication with said adjustment means.16. A device as recited in claim 1, wherein said drive means comprises:a slidable switch in mechanical communication with said adjustmentmeans.